Hämeenmaa-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇫🇮 Finland |
| Category | Mine warfare |
| Subtype | Minelayer, Coastal |
| Manufacturer | Finnyards |
| Year commissioned | 1992 |
| Units |
2 Hämeenmaa 5 Uusimaa |
Operators
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 1450 tons |
| Crew | 60 members |
| Width | 11.6 m (38.1 ft) |
| Length | 77.8 m (255.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 × Wärtsilä Vasa 16V22 (2,600 kW each), Two shafts; KaMeWa controllable pitch propellers |
| Armament |
|
| Maximum speed | 20 knots |
Description
The Hämeenmaa-class consists of two coastal minelayers operated by the Finnish Navy. The class was developed to replace the minelayer Keihässalmi and to complement the larger Pohjanmaa. The original construction contract was awarded to Wärtsilä Marine, but following that company's bankruptcy, the project was transferred to Hollming and eventually completed by Finnyards at the Rauma shipyard.
The vessels are constructed with steel hulls and aluminum alloy superstructures. The design incorporates an ICE-1A ice classification, enabling year-round operations in ice up to 40 cm thick. Between 2006 and 2008, both ships underwent a modernization program to align with current naval standards and support participation in international European Security and Defence Policy operations. This refit included the installation of a new combat management system, surveillance radars, and sonar equipment. The modernization also integrated weapons systems salvaged from the discontinued Tuuli-class hovercraft.
The primary operational role of the Hämeenmaa class is minelaying. The vessels are configured with four mine rails capable of carrying sea mines. Secondary roles include escort, transport, and depot ship duties. Following their mid-life upgrades, the ships’ capabilities were expanded to include anti-submarine warfare and maritime monitoring. Defensive systems include a vertical launching system for surface-to-air missiles, a primary naval gun, depth charge rocket launchers, and electronic warfare suites including decoy systems.
FNS Hämeenmaa and FNS Uusimaa were both commissioned in 1992. After completing sea trials for their modernized systems in late 2008, they returned to operational status. In 2013, FNS Hämeenmaa assumed the role of flagship for the Finnish Navy following the retirement of the Pohjanmaa. In January 2024, the Finnish Navy announced a scheduled replacement of the main engines for FNS Uusimaa. Both vessels remain in active service and are scheduled to be succeeded by the Pohjanmaa-class corvette.